Newsletter #317 2025 Jul 23 Wednesday
Meat bird chicks arrive, first woven wire fencing installed, firewood, and a lot of brush/tree clearing, and Geri hosts an over-the-top birthday celebration at the Farmhouse!
Primal Woods
The black rat snake, also known as the gray rat snake, is the largest snake species in Michigan, reaching lengths of up to 8 feet. It is listed as a "species of special concern" by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) due to population declines and habitat loss. The black rat snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans, with a shiny black or dark brown coloration and a white chin and throat.
This snake is found in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, inhabiting woodlands, open areas adjacent to forests, and sometimes near human dwellings … It is a skilled climber and often enters barns and abandoned buildings in search of rodents, which make up a significant part of its diet.
I’ve seen two black rat snake recently, this one on the driveway sunning itself, which they seem to enjoy. The white under its chin is a clear marking of the black rat snake.
Sawmill Services
I’m working on Rob and Robin’s lumber, lining up next steps to tongue and groove (T&G) flooring. I should have that nailed down by Friday.
Firewood!
We have help again coming from Hillsdale College tomorrow Friday; by end of day we expect to have at least 6 cords split and stacked. Regardless of how far we get, we are pivoting to completion of the Sheep Pasture fencing. Timothy is making the last-minute preps for their arrival.
If you or someone you know are interested in our Sawmill Services, check out our Primal Woods page on the subject.
Pure Maple Syrup
If you have not already, please introduce yourself to our Pure Maple Syrup products! Any and all orders will be greatly appreciated; you will have my heartfelt thanks.
Homestead Rebel
Sheep
The last big job on the Sheep Pasture fencing is the installation of Woven Wire; Timothy and I took our first swing at the job this morning, and we agree that we deserved a solid “B” for our efforts. Ha!
We still have a lot of H-bracing to do, and we still have a lot of woven wire fencing to install, but at this point we have done it all and are feeling confident. Firewood will be the focus tomorrow, and maybe through the end of the week, but beginning next week completion of the Sheep Pasture fencing is going to be a the top of the list.
Oxen
The Oxen are in Paddock #3; the move from Paddock #1 was made last Thursday. The plan is to move them to Paddock #5 tomorrow, Thursday. God willing we will get the forecasted rain Thursday/Friday.
Pigs
Refilled the Water Wagon, and moved the waterer to drier ground; Toby introduces him self to the electric fence!
And Toby and a couple of the Pigs make their introductions.
Chickens
The Meat Birds arrived Wednesday, today!
And a gallery of images regarding brooder setup, chicks pickup, etc.
And some of the laying hens dust bathing …
Farmhouse Airbnb
Geri and seven friends celebrated their birthdays collectively over the weekend. It was fun for all involved, and Geri did not miss a beat in the hosting department.
And a glimpse of the enjoyment had.
Plus …
News and Notes
Needless to say it was a big news week; topping the list, “Let’s be clear: A sitting U.S. president just accused a former U.S. president of treason— by name, citing evidence in hand, in the Oval Office, on camera.”
There is a long list of characterizations used to describe Donald Trump, but “stupid” should not be on any such list. So. This is either political suicide for Trump and everyone around him, not to mention the legal ramifications of such an accusation being proven false, or it is not, false. It’s obvious that attacking former presidents legally has been, or was, a taboo for a long time; until the democrats went after Trump. Now it is open season apparently, and Obama’s legacy is in the crosshairs.
And in even more late-breaking news, the Department of Justice announced the formation of a “strike-force” to investigate DNI Gabbard’s disclosures:
I’ve posted on this ATF murder once before, and more has come to light. The picture you should be seeing below is an ATF operator in the process of taping over the victim’s Ring camera lens; just before the 7-man team breaches the front door and one shoots the homeowner in the head. If you are wondering why … apparently this is how the ATF serves a seach warrant to a entirely law-abiding citizen.
And prepping from a largely different perspective, and for different reasons than my own.
Books & Such
I finished Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis, again.
I highly recommend this book, which did not start out as a book; it started as a series of three radio lectures that Lewis made during World War II. It’s less than 6 hours, and one thing I like about audio books is that I can listen over and over, and over again. This one is worth it.
All the best to you and yours. and may God bless you all.
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All the best, and may God bless you and yours,
John & Geri
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